Turning a Page
and Building Bridges
Dyson College has two new department leaders at the helm
“Our responsibility is to enable students to complete their degree successfully while preparing for a job.”
Manuela Soares
Soares, who came to Pace University in 2004 after a lengthy and successful career in the publishing industry, became program director in July 2018, following the retirement of longtime faculty member Sherman Raskin, who cofounded the program in 1984. Soares is also the director of the Pace University Press, and she plans to further the reputation and unique strengths of the publishing program.
One goal is to identify innovative strategies to capitalize on growth opportunities. This includes preparing students with a well-rounded range of cutting-edge technological skills to complement the core curriculum, and developing new digital resources such as podcasts and video interviews to enhance both the online and classroom learning experience. At the same time, she stresses the importance of retaining a focus on content, and she plans to create more opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience through expanded internships and student contributions.
“Our responsibility is to enable students to complete their degree successfully while preparing for a job,” she said.
Since stepping into the director’s role, Soares has brought on new faculty and begun reaching out to find new avenues for scholarship funding. Looking ahead, she is hoping to build a broader sense of community among the diverse mix of students and provide opportunities for them to explore different areas of the industry by working with professional partners, faculty, and alumni.
Amy Freedman
As chair of the Political Science Department, Amy Freedman’s future vision includes empowering students to follow their own curiosity and further develop their interest in the world.
An expert on China, Freedman’s recent research examines that nation’s Belt and Road Initiative, one of the largest infrastructure and investment projects in history, which is planned to connect China to the rest of Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Since becoming department chair in September 2018, Freedman has also been forging new connections and building bridges for students.
She’s working to create opportunities for collaboration with other areas within the College, such as the Global Asia Studies and Environmental Studies programs, and bolstering her department’s Latinx programs’ coursework.
“I want students to feel connected to their program of study, to their fellow students, and to their professors,” she said.
“I want students to feel connected to their program of study, to their fellow students, and to their professors.”
